Nursing School 101

the ups & downs of being a nursing student

[naomipitkoff]

Staying Motivated

At the beginning of the semester I was really motivated and excited, but as the semester carried on I started losing that spark of newness. This is the point in the semester when you really just have to keep pushing because we are almost there. Only 4 more weeks and then we are one semester closer to graduating and being nurses. Time is really going by quickly. It feels like the program just started, but we have only three semesters left. 

[olivias12]

My motivation has definitely diminished throughout the semester but we’re so close to being done with this one!! I am looking forward to this short break in between summer semester starting.

[olivias12]

A week ago I got to welcome this cute girl into my home. So happy to have her to help with the stress of nursing school, watching her play and constantly look at herself in the mirror keeps me laughing

[rachellhorn-deactivated20250120]

Lab Simulation

Over the past few weeks, each clinical group went up to Widener to do both a MedSurg and a Pediatric simulation. Our MedSurg simulation involved a patient with COPD, and our Pediatric simulations involved a patient with suspected abuse and another patient with a concussion. We were working on those life-size medical dolls that are interactive and come with all sorts of conditions.

It was an interesting experience to say the least. It is a whole different experience when you are the nurse in the simulation versus a sideline observer - definitely a lot more stressful! It was helpful to discuss what happened and what happens in real application after we completed the simulation. It’s much better to may mistakes on a doll than on an actual patient!

[olivias12]

I found discussing the simulation afterwards really helpful as well! Even though it was a simulation I was still a bit nervous to be the nurse there but found it a great learning experience

[olivias12]

Clinical

Today I had such a great experience at clinical! It was super exciting to be able to learn new things by having the chance to do them hands on. It is super helpful to learn that way and I am grateful for the opportunities.

It can be a little difficult to have to wake up so early in the morning and miss out on things sometimes. But I saw a beautiful sunrise on my drive to clinical this morning and once I got there was easily able to remember that it is all so worth it.

[rachellhorn-deactivated20250120]

Remote Learning

COVID has affected us all in one way or another, and not many of those outcomes have been positive. However, as future nurses, we must learn to adapt to the circumstances and make the best out of a bad situation!

- Keep a planner/journal/calendar that you check every day. Make sure to check your email and classes at least every morning and night. Try not to procrastinate!

- Wake up at a set time every morning and try to go to bed around the same hour every night. Set a time to stop working and worrying.

- Take every opportunity you get. We’re in an accelerated program and are missing out on a lot of hands-on learning, so jump on every chance to practice and refine your skills.

- Remember to take care of yourself: eat properly, hydrate throughout the day, maintain personal hygiene, and get a good night’s sleep. It’s easy to forget about these things when you’re sitting at a computer all day.

- Set aside time every day to relax or do something you enjoy. It’s the only way to stay sane.

- Don’t be too hard on yourself, too. None of this is normal - if we can get through this, we can pretty much do anything.

[olivias12]

This is all such great advice and there’s a few things I feel I could do better that are on here to help myself stay productive and relax

[olivias12]

COVID-19 Vaccine

Well I finally got my second vaccine today!  It has been a few hours and all I have so far is a slightly sore arm, nothing bad or unmanageable.  I hope I continue to feel well since I have had friends and heard of others not feeling well after their second shot.

[naomipitkoff]

Hardest week so far = Complete

The past 10 days have definitely been the hardest of the semester so far. On top of all the regular weekly assignments and readings, I had to study for 2 exams that were one day apart. Last semester, we never had more than one exam in a week so this was definitely a challenge. I started studying way in advance so I would not have to cram for each exam. Overall, I think my study plan was pretty successful because I got grades that I am satisfied with. 

[olivias12]

The past week was definitely stressful with our two exams! So glad they are over now but there is never a shortage of work to be completed!

[sassystudentnurse]

Select all that apply questions

[francescamendes]

[olivias12]

The snow is looking so pretty today! It was really nice to have all day yesterday to do school work bc I was able to get a lot done. Too bad school is virtual and there won’t be any snow days but at least I also don’t have to leave my house! ❄️❄️

[madisonbleiler]

Can anyone relate to this after the first week of classes?

[olivias12]

very relatable!!

[olivias12]

Week Recap

The first week of classes had been stressful for me.  There were so many assignments that needed to be completed and it did not seem like I would have enough time for them all.  Online clinical did not seem so bad so far and it should be interesting!  It was a very exciting Sunday having my first in person clinical ever! I look forward to everything I will learn at CHOP and discovering as the weeks go on if I feel I could have a career in Pediatric Nursing.

[francescamendes]

Second Semester

As I begin my second semester of nursing school, I am feeling more overwhelmed than last! This semester we start clinical which can be both exciting and stressful however, I am looking forward to it. I know it will be challenging but as long as I keep myself on track and have a strong support system I know I can get through anything! Looking forward to what this semester brings! 

[olivias12]

I am also really excited to start clinical and feel more stressed this semester than last! I agree a strong support system will help us get through it!

[olivias12]

Already feeling stressed this first week of school!  It has been a busy past few days of school work and getting used to the routine of school and being busy with homework.  I think the next two weeks will be better once I am used to my schedule and have a better feel for my classes and the workload.

[olivias12]

first day of class

First day of classes starting is always a little exciting especially this semester since clinical will be starting, I cannot wait for that!  The first few classes help to make me feel less nervous because the syllabus and assignments are reviewed and make more sense to me when the professor explains them.  I can already tell I will be kept busy with work this semester.